Jazz Hand Bulls Second Home Loss

Last June, the Utah Jazz walked off the United Center court in Chicago with their heads bowed and shoulders slumped as the Chicago Bulls celebrated another NBA title.

Sunday, the Jazz had reason to do some celebrating of their own, avenging that loss and handing Chicago only its second home defeat this season.

Utah players, however, saw no reason to get excited.

“We’re grateful for the victory, but does that mean that when you come in here for the playoffs you’re going to win? No,” John Stockton said after the Jazz defeated the Bulls 101-94. “This game doesn’t mean anything in the big picture.”

It meant something to Michael Jordan.

“I hate to lose,” said Jordan, whose 32 points weren’t enough to extend the Bulls’ 17-game home winning streak. “Right now, it sticks with me because we don’t want teams to come in here and gain confidence.”

Karl Malone scored 35 points for the Jazz.

Bird to coach East All-Stars

A reluctant Larry Bird is headed to his 13th NBA All-Star game, this time as a rookie coach.

Bird’s Indiana Pacers became the Eastern Conference team with the best winning percentage Sunday because of Utah’s win over Chicago.

The Pacers aren’t surprised that Bird has been such a success in his coaching debut.

“The way he attacks a challenge, nothing he accomplishes is a surprise to me,” said Chris Mullin. “If he wanted to be an actor, I wouldn’t be surprised if he won an Oscar for his first movie. He … works hard to achieve success.”